How Your Dog’s Age Factors Into Off-Leash Play

Off-Leash Play Is Popular In Areas Meant For Dogs

Both in dog parks and doggy daycares, dog owners are engaging in off-leash play with their puppies and dogs more and more often. Although this may seem like it’d be a good time for your dog, it is important to consider your dog’s preferences and behaviors to see if they truly enjoy off-leash play with other dogs.

Consider Your Dog’s Age

Whether you have a little puppy or an older dog, age can actually be a big factor in if your dog enjoys off-leash play with other dogs and how much off-leash play is best for them.

Puppies

When allowing your puppy to engage in any play with other dogs it is extremely important to be careful and observant of how the other dogs play. Puppies need positive socialization, especially for the first 5 months, in order to grow into healthy, friendly, stress-free dogs. If you bring your puppy to an area where other dogs are playing off-leash, observe their play styles and how they may or may not mesh with your puppy’s style of play. If you’re not sure that other dogs in the area will provide a positive environment for your puppy to play, it may be best to stick to smaller, more private groups. Off-leash play in public areas may be something your puppy enjoys more so later in life.

Older Dogs

Older dogs are also a bit particular about off-leash play. Dogs aged 5-6 years generally prefer participating in off-leash play for a shorter amount of time. For older dogs, make sure you’re able to provide them with a space to cool off when they’ve grown tired of off-leash play, both for their sake and the sake of the other dogs around you.

Look Into Doggy Daycare For Your Dog Today

The benefits your dog could receive by going to doggy daycare are undeniable! Ensure your dog’s health and happiness by looking for a doggy daycare to enroll them in while they are young. Again, not all doggy daycares are the same, so be sure to look around to find the best match for your pet.